Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of ODI series against England with back pain

Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of Sri Lanka’s three-match ODI series against England with a lower-back injury. The 29-year-old leg-spinner felt the problem during a practice session and was absent from both of the first two fixtures in the series.

Sri Lanka confirmed that Hasaranga is being sent home to undergo a rehabilitation programme, ending any possibility of him appearing in the remaining matches. The development is a notable setback for the touring side, who already trail England 1-0 after losing the opening ODI at Chester-le-Street by 89 runs.

The second ODI is underway at Headingley in Leeds. Captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and chose to bat, and he went on to score a fluent 121 off 100 balls, setting the foundation for the tourists to get to a commanding first-innings total.

What does Hasaranga’s absence mean for Sri Lanka’s upcoming fixtures?

Hasaranga’s departure for rehabilitation casts doubt over his availability for a busy October schedule. Sri Lanka are due to face Pakistan in a three-match T20I series in Rawalpindi on October 9, 11 and 13. An ODI tri-series involving Sri Lanka, England and Pakistan is then scheduled to run from October 18 to 31.

No recovery timeline has been confirmed by Sri Lanka’s management. With a significant volume of international cricket packed into October, the team’s medical staff will be monitoring Hasaranga’s progress carefully before any decision on his return is made.

How have Sri Lanka managed their bowling without Hasaranga in this series?

Sri Lanka have had to reorganise their bowling attack across both matches played so far. In the first ODI at Chester-le-Street, the absence of their primary spin option contributed to a heavy defeat, with England winning by 89 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match contest.

In the second ODI at Headingley, Sri Lanka responded positively with the bat after Mendis opted to bat first. The series remains alive, but the tourists must win both remaining matches to avoid defeat, and they have had to redistribute their bowling workload throughout without one of their most reliable wicket-taking options. Sachindu Colombage and Dunith Wellalage are the two frontline spin-bowlers for Sri Lanka in the second ODI.